Qing-Ming Gao, group leader for trait development, examines canola plants at a Cibus Inc. greenhouse in San Diego.

EU loosens rules for new genomic techniques

A recent decision by the European Parliament could open opportunities for crop development and international trade

Glacier FarmMedia – A European Parliament decision last month to adopt new rules for what it calls new genomic techniques (NGTs) is good news for agriculture and international trade, say industry and academic experts. “Science has been under a very dark cloud for a long time in Europe, and so now I think we’re seeing […] Read more

If non-legume plants could form associations with nitrogen fixers, it could lessen the reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

Genetic engineering of microbes lower fertilizer dependence

Science Notes: Nitrogen-fixing microbes could help crops pull nitrogen from the air

Helping crops acquire nitrogen from the air could be a sustainable solution to meeting crop nutrient requirements with less synthetic fertilizer. A team of bacteriologists and plant scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have written a paper that discusses the possibility of using genetic engineering to facilitate mutualistic relationships between plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes called […] Read more

Health Canada will likely regulate gene-edited crops the same as conventional plant breeding, which is praised by plant breeders but opposed by some groups.

Federal gene editing policy expected soon

Those opposing the technology have delayed policy development

Glacier FarmMedia – Health Canada is expected to soon publish guidance on how gene-edited crops will be regulated. It appears the department will treat gene-edited crops differently from genetically modified (transgenic) crops, which means the oversight of gene-edited crops could be closer to conventionally bred crops. Gene editing is often described as removing or altering […] Read more

“Gene editing is the cherry on top of a sundae. It won’t replace traditional breeding.” Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, Cooperative Extension Specialist in Animal Genomics & Biotechnology – University of California, Davis.

Genetic editing in livestock faces strong headwinds

University of California, Davis professor says lack of acceptance of gene editing stifles potential gains in livestock sector

Regulations on gene editing of animals are contributing to negative public perceptions of the technology and stifling innovation in the livestock sector, according to Alison Van Eenennaam of the University of California, Davis. A veteran science communicator and cooperative extension specialist in animal genomics and biotechnology, her professional and personal experience led her to believe […] Read more

Some corn hybrids were among the first genetically modified crops to reach the market.

Some GM crops could hit market without review

Traits that could have been achieved through traditional breeding might not require approval

Reuters – The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced a rule that will simplify or waive agency reviews of certain biotech farm products, including plants and seeds that have been genetically modified or engineered. As a result, some products could be sold to farmers without a USDA review — a move that comes despite concerns […] Read more


Corn in a Waksman Institute of Microbiology field in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Pollen genes mutate naturally in only some strains of corn

Science notes: Breeders have reported some lines are more genetically stable than others

Pollen genes mutate naturally in only some strains of corn, according to Rutgers-led research that may lead to better breeding of corn and other crops. Scientists at Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Montclair State University looked at gene mutations that arise spontaneously in corn plant pollen. Pollen grains are the male gametes, or reproductive cells, in […] Read more

Canadian researchers could be at a disadvantage if gene edited crops and livestock are more quickly approved in other countries.

How will gene-editing reach the farm?

Biotech advocates say regulatory clarity is critical, but not available in Canada

Biotechnology experts and supporters from the agriculture and medical sectors met in Toronto recently to discuss how Canada’s regulatory system could better enable the safe commercialization of gene-edited plants and animals. Hosted by Ontario Agri-Food Technologies and CropLife Canada, the March 7 meeting provided an overview of gene-editing regulations in various countries around the world. […] Read more

The Government of Canada believes gene edited crops can help farmers produce “safe and affordable food, feed, fibres, and energy in the 21st century.”

Canada joins group supporting gene editing

Twelve countries issued a joint statement in support of the plant breeding process

The federal government has come out in favour of gene editing. Or, more accurately, the Government of Canada believes gene edited crops can help farmers produce “safe and affordable food, feed, fibres, and energy in the 21st century.” The quote comes from a statement released in early November and was delivered during a World Trade […] Read more


The Canadian Enviro-pig was abandoned after concerns about ability to get it approved.

China develops its own version of Enviro-pig

A researcher who worked on the University of Guelph Enviro-pig now works with Chinese universities

Chinese researchers are moving forward with a transgenic pig similar to the Enviro-pig developed at the University of Guelph. In a paper published May 22, in a biochemistry and chemical biology journal, scientists from South China Agricultural University and China Agricultural University, wrote about transgenic hogs that grow faster and have less impact on the […] Read more